End of SAG-AFTRA strike nears; negotiators make progress on AI

In what appears to be the final phase of negotiations to end the 117-day strike by SAG-AFTRA, the lead negotiators for the actors’ guild and the studios are set to meet today. The breakthrough came when both parties reached an agreement on the contentious topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini are scheduled to engage in discussions this afternoon. Sources close to the guild expressed optimism, with one stating, “We are very close,” and adding that they have put in place “strong protection language” regarding AI. This issue has been a central concern for the guild from the onset of the strike in July.

The prospect of a deal today is seen as “hopeful” by one studio source, while another insider seemed confident, saying, “It’s going to happen.”

Following SAG-AFTRA’s response to the AMPTP’s “last, best, and final offer” delivered on November 6, the two parties convened for a Zoom meeting that extended late into the night. Notably, the Four Horsemen of the Strike-pocalypse, consisting of Disney’s Bob Iger, Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, participated in the meeting. Unlike previous meetings, these studio chiefs appeared willing to modify their latest AI proposal to provide more specific project protections and compensation for performers.

According to Deadline, the finalization of the AI language and an agreement on minimum rates are the key topics of discussion. SAG-AFTRA initially sought an 11% increase, with the studios offering 7%. The guild later adjusted its request to around 9%, and both parties are reportedly settling around 8%.

REELated:

Studios were so confident that strike would end, shows began crewing up

The AMPTP’s November 3 offer, described as “historic” by studio sources, includes a multi-decade wage increase and a 100% raise in performance compensation bonuses for high-budget streaming series and movies meeting specific thresholds. However, the guild has concerns about these benchmarks and their impact on its members.

Also in the Deadline story, It’s worth noting that Warner Bros Discovery and Disney are set to release their Q4 earnings results later this week, and a resolution to the strike would be a welcome development on Wall Street.

Hollywood is eagerly awaiting the strike’s end, anticipating a return to global production for movies and TV series to get the 2024 feature slate and TV schedule back on track. While some studio executives expressed reservations about certain aspects of the contract terms, the industry is poised to regain its momentum and resolve issues related to AI rights and streaming revenue residuals as the negotiations progress.

Despite the positive momentum toward a resolution, SAG-AFTRA members and their allies continued their picketing in New York City and Los Angeles today. The entertainment industry remains vigilant, awaiting the outcome of the ongoing discussions.

For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

In what appears to be the final phase of negotiations to end the 117-day strike by SAG-AFTRA, the lead negotiators for the actors’ guild and the studios are set to meet today. The breakthrough came when both parties reached an agreement on the contentious topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini are scheduled to engage in discussions this afternoon. Sources close to the guild expressed optimism, with one stating, “We are very close,” and adding that they have put in place “strong protection language” regarding AI. This issue has been a central concern for the guild from the onset of the strike in July.

The prospect of a deal today is seen as “hopeful” by one studio source, while another insider seemed confident, saying, “It’s going to happen.”

Following SAG-AFTRA’s response to the AMPTP’s “last, best, and final offer” delivered on November 6, the two parties convened for a Zoom meeting that extended late into the night. Notably, the Four Horsemen of the Strike-pocalypse, consisting of Disney’s Bob Iger, Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, participated in the meeting. Unlike previous meetings, these studio chiefs appeared willing to modify their latest AI proposal to provide more specific project protections and compensation for performers.

According to Deadline, the finalization of the AI language and an agreement on minimum rates are the key topics of discussion. SAG-AFTRA initially sought an 11% increase, with the studios offering 7%. The guild later adjusted its request to around 9%, and both parties are reportedly settling around 8%.

REELated:

Studios were so confident that strike would end, shows began crewing up

The AMPTP’s November 3 offer, described as “historic” by studio sources, includes a multi-decade wage increase and a 100% raise in performance compensation bonuses for high-budget streaming series and movies meeting specific thresholds. However, the guild has concerns about these benchmarks and their impact on its members.

Also in the Deadline story, It’s worth noting that Warner Bros Discovery and Disney are set to release their Q4 earnings results later this week, and a resolution to the strike would be a welcome development on Wall Street.

Hollywood is eagerly awaiting the strike’s end, anticipating a return to global production for movies and TV series to get the 2024 feature slate and TV schedule back on track. While some studio executives expressed reservations about certain aspects of the contract terms, the industry is poised to regain its momentum and resolve issues related to AI rights and streaming revenue residuals as the negotiations progress.

Despite the positive momentum toward a resolution, SAG-AFTRA members and their allies continued their picketing in New York City and Los Angeles today. The entertainment industry remains vigilant, awaiting the outcome of the ongoing discussions.

For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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